Before the book 'fire' (or perhaps during) a battle will explode that will change everything for Zuko. The final time where he has no where left to turn, realizes his father will not want him back and finally joins the enemy.

Just as Azula foreshadowed by saying:

"enemies and traitors working together."

It's leading to a new era - where Zuko will finally humble himself and be the man he has to be.

This is set just after Zuko and Iroh have finally captured the Avatar in a small city.

I don't own Avatar. Enjoy. Review. Let me know if you want more.

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Zhao and his men had them surrounded. Zuko (and Iroh standing by) might have finally got hold of the Avatar and his three friends, but it wasn't going to be an easy deal. Zhao would not let them win.

"We're taking the Avatar" he commanded.

"No!" Zuko yelled, eyes enflamed."You'll have to get through me first."

He stood in front of Aang, Katara, Toph and Sokka. His last ticket home. His last chance to be the one to come back with honor.

Zhao wasn't phased...

"And lock up the traitors" he said to his men.

The old man beside Zuko was deeply saddened. "You do not have to do that" he said calmly, although troubled within his spirit. "Take me and let Prince Zuko go. He will not get in your way."

He put a hand on Zuko's shoulder in understanding. Hoping he would make the right choice.

Zuko didn't let up though. He took his stance. Foot forward, hands on his swords to each side of him, ready to go at any sign of further trouble. He'd made the mistake of being off his guard once with Azula. He wasn't going to make that mistake again.

"And why would I listen to you?" said Zhao bluntly.

"Because otherwise, we're not giving up the Avatar. It's been a long time Zhao." Iroh was referring both to how long they had been searching to get the Avatar and also, how long it had been since Iroh had been involved in a fight.

A fight for what he believed in. Like before his son died and he himself was general.

And now he believed in his nephew and would fight for his life.

"That's an interesting proposition Iroh." Zhao responded. "Because I have a notice from the firelord to bring you two in... dead... or alive." He stood the same as Zuko, ready to do battle.

"I don't think that is a very wise idea Zhao" Iroh said calmly, as if he was about to offer him tea.

While the firenation was focusing on taking out each other, no one had noticed Momo come to chew off "the enemy's" ropes.

Zhao paused for a moment and his men waited for his command. "Don't harm the Avatar" he said to them. Then shot fire out to Iroh who dodged it within nanoseconds.

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The scene exploded with action. Zuko having to take down the men around him before he could get involved between Iroh and Zhao. Iroh was out of practice and it was showing.

Plus, all those years of drinking tea and relaxing, showing as he huffed and puffed after a few heavy minutes of fighting.

Although he was letting Zhao do all the work, Zuko got the feeling he wasn't fighting back and knew he would have to step in.

But the firenation army kept coming at him. There were so many.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Avatar and his friends taking down firenation army members as well and stepped forward sticking his broadswords into a man and then pulling them back out again and swinging around.

Zhao had confirmation now. Confirmation of his secret identity. He knew who Zuko really was and wanted to finish off Iroh so he could get to the young prince himself.

Anger fueled at how Zuko humilated him like that when he had the Avatar the last time. Within his grasp... only to be released by a traitor.

Zhao finished the job. Sending a whip of lightening right to his heart. The old man falling to the ground. Lifeless.

"Uncle!" Came a yell, more men falling at his sword. Zuko pulled his sword out again and rushed at Zhao, Zhao drew his own sword.

Glint for glint, they hit each others blades with ferocity.

Both gritting their teeth with force, trying to outmatch the other as they leaned their weight on each other's weapon.

But Zuko's unyeilding disposition won out in the end and he overpowered the brute man, sending him to the ground.

He stood over him. No mercy. He'd given up rights to that a long time ago.

Zoku put a sword at his neck and slit into him... but Zhao wasn't giving up that easily. In one final blow, piercing his neck, Zhao stabbed out. Zuko brought the sword in deeper and blood dripped from Zhao's mouth.

When everything went black.

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If anyone has read my fic "Fun in Ticking Zuko Off" - this is set shortly after this pivotal moment.

If something like this doesn't happen in the show eventually (because it's so obvious it will), I'll eat my cat (which is good cause I don't have a cat).

Press review. Or I'll give up writing. :P